Vampire and Werewolf PC's

[Oni]

Feel Free to ignore me, but I thought I'd through out another alternate template for you.

The fleshbound vampire from Sean K. Reynold's site. (ECL +4)
http://www.seankreynolds.com/rpgfiles/monsters/fleshboundvampire.html

The more classic vampire powers could be optained through a few levels the sorcerer class.

 

[Bastoche]

It's a nice template IMO. Still too much for a PC IMO, but much more playable. Much more killable .

 

[Silver Griffon]

If a vampire spawn's master is slain, I thought the spawn would become a full-fledged, free-willed vampire. That would allow for lower level vampires.
Maybe that's an idea stuck in my head from 2e or something...

 

[Bastoche]

Free willed yes, but full fledged no.

 

[Oni]

If a vampire spawn's master is slain, I thought the spawn would become a full-fledged, free-willed vampire. That would allow for lower level vampires.
Maybe that's an idea stuck in my head from 2e or something...

Actual I don't think that is something that has ever been spelled out one way or the other in 3E. The Ravenloft book mentions this (which of course isn't official for those of you who care) their take was it's an uncertainty, sometimes they stay what they are, sometimes they become full fledged vampires, sometimes they're just dusted on the spot. Really that is something that is totally a flavor issue and 100% a DM judgement call.

 

[papa_laz]

Do you guys think using the vampire spawn as a PC is a good idea, because a vampire is obviously way too powerful.

 

[Oni]

Do you guys think using the vampire spawn as a PC is a good idea, because a vampire is obviously way too powerful.

In my opinion, the vampire spawns the unlimited charm and much more importantly the energy drain attack (which might be easy enough to remove 24 hrs later when the save is required, but is going to have a much bigger impact on the here and now) is still too much, especially if you follow the energy drain rules to the letter, i.e. anything slain by it is going to come back as a wight.

In my opinion you would be better off using either the Fleshbound vampire template because these powers simply are not present, or using the PrC I suggested above (or some variation) for more of the classic vampiric powers but with a mechanic that limits the number of uses.

 

[papa_laz]

Yes, the flesh bound vampire looks to be the way to go. Thanks for your help Oni.

 

[Bastoche]

I concur with Oni.

 

[magnas_veritas]

Damage reduction 15/+1, 5 free feats, fast healing, etc... makes the vampire unplayable as a PC character. Oh yeah and d12 hit point .

Oh, I think it's quite playable. My character was a vampire for about 20 minutes (killed, his corpse raised as a leech and sent back to the party...the tank staked my corpse and the cleric true ressed me). and upon reviewing my stat recalculation, he rocked on toast.

Of course, you can't go out into the sunlight, have irritating weaknesses, and are automatically CE, but those can be worked around. :-D (BTW, I am joking...just so you know).

I do like werecreatures as PCs, though. They're dandy, though suited for light equipment classes, like sorcerers, psychic warriors, or monks. I still want to play a werebear monk.

Brad